Creation of unique supramolecular nanoarchitectures utilizing natural polysaccharide as a one-dimensional host

We recently revealed that beta-1,3-glucans act as unique natural nanotubes, which can accept functional polymers and molecular assemblies in an induced-fit manner. A variety of individual conjugated polymers or molecular assemblies can be incorporated into the one-dimensional hollow constructed by the helical superstructure of beta-1,3-glucans to create water-soluble one-dimensional nanocomposites. The advantageous point of the present hosting system is that the selective modification of beta-1,3-glucans leads to the creation of various functional one-dimensional nanocomposites in a supramolecular manner. Furthermore, the composites with functional surfaces can act as one-dimensional building blocks toward further hierarchical self-assembles, leading to the creation of two- or three-dimensional nanoarchitectures, which are applicable for fundamental nanomaterials.